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| Greetings from the middle of the Texas Special Session! |
Okay, no, I’m not in Texas—but it’s definitely top of mind.
Earlier this year, the Texas legislature passed a total ban on hemp THC products, only to have Gov. Abbott veto it in June. Rather than forcing the $5 billion-plus industry underground, Abbott called for a special session and urged lawmakers to focus on sensible regulations that protect consumers without killing the industry.
What you might not know is that the “good” bill proposed by the Texas House would have locked convenience stores out of those regulations entirely. This special session is a rare do-over for our industry—and a critical moment.
If you operate in Texas, know someone who does, or even just know someone who lives there, now is the time to act. Not only to fight for convenience’s role in this space, but to oppose proposals like a total ban or the 2mg THC cap some are calling for (trust me, I live in a 1mg state … it doesn’t work—just ask the grocery store selling 50mg cans around the corner).
And this isn’t just about Texas. Up until this very week, the federal Appropriations Bill included language that would eliminate the entire hemp THC market nationwide.
But the fight isn’t over: no ban does not mean federal regulations will allow convenience to sell hemp THC. Meaning it’s more important than ever for convenience to engage. So here’s your call to action: reach out to your industry associations. Call your state and federal reps. Or visit adultbeveragealternatives.org or ushempauthority.org to learn about other ways to engage.
Whatever you do—don’t sit this one out. Second chances are rare. Let’s make the most of it.
Sincerely, Melissa Vonder Haar, chair, CSP C-Store Cannabis Board |
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